Tactile Sensor for Measuring Load Distribution Using Selected Scanning Method with a Few Wires

Abstract

A tactile sensor is developed with the aim of covering a robot's entire body, while reducing wiring requirement and ensuring high-speed response. The sensor detects the load distribution on 2-dimensional surfaces. The sensor use only 7 signal wires regardless of the number of detection elements. Moreover, the sensor has high-speed response because it can detect only areas where there is contact. In this paper, the principles behind the operation of this sensor and the results of experiments using the sensor are described.